The spread of tetanus and why your sheep and goat are vulnerable

You may have heard of tetanus. Tetanus is a poisoning, caused by the neurotoxin of the bacterial organism, Clostridium tetani.

Nearly all mammals are susceptible to Tetanus, including humans, who are very susceptible. Among mammals, horses are the most susceptible, followed by sheep and goats. Cattle are fairly resistant, as are dogs. Cats seem to be the most resistant of all domestic animals.

How is does tetanus spread?

.

Keep Reading

• The hidden market for organic products in Busia
• Azolla: The super protein in animal feed
• Managing your flocks this long rainy season
• Equity secures Sh141m funding for smallholder farmers
• Nakuritis: Why It is unique to Nakuru County

The Clostridium tetani bacteria lives without oxygen. It is found in soil and in intestinal tracts and in feces. The spores from the bacteria may persist in the ground for many years, and are very resistant to heat and to standard disinfectants. In most cases they are introduced into the tissues through wounds, particularly deep wounds, which provide a suitable anaerobic environment. Horses' hooves are particularly susceptible. Cows after calving may also contract tetanus. In lambs, however, it often follows docking or castration.

The requisite conditions for multiplication are when a small amount of soil or a foreign object causes tissue damage and cell death such as deep wounds thus the bacteria remain localized in the destroyed tissue at the original site of infection and multiply.

When the bacterial cells disintegrate, the potent neurotoxin is released, being absorbed by the nerves in the area and passed to the spinal cord. This toxin causes contractions of muscles. Severe respiratory failure may occur due to spasm of the larynx, diaphragm and muscles of the chest.

What are the symptoms of tetanus?

The incubation period usually averages 10-14 days. The initial signs are a little stiffness, anxiety and an exaggerated reaction to handling or to noise. Soon after, the stiffness becomes more general with the muscles of mastication, the neck, the hind legs and the area of the infected wound are most affected. Bloat may occur in cattle.

Animals may be constipated and urine may be retained because of difficulty in attaining the normal posture for urination. 

The ears are usually stiff and erect and immobile. Any movements are slow and accomplished with great difficulty. The limbs cannot be flexed. The jaw cannot be opened due to spasm of the muscle of mastication. Nostrils are dilated and the face has a peculiar staring, anxious expression. The tail is rigid and often held sideways. The affected muscles feel hard, tense, and board-like. 

Respiration becomes more and more difficult as the muscles of respiration are affected. Eventually, the animal falls to the ground with the head often bent backwards. The affected animal remains fully conscious throughout. 

Death usually occurs from 8-10 days after the appearance of the first symptoms and is from suffocation and respiratory arrest. 

What is the treatment for tetanus?

In animals, prompt proper treatment of all wounds is very key. The persistence of pus, dead tissue, dirt or foreign bodies within the wound must be avoided and the proliferation of bacteria avoided.

Careful drainage must be provided to prevent the accumulation of blood serum and excretions. Foreign bodies must be removed and the wound thoroughly opened to ensure careful cleaning.

After any surgical procedure, such as docking or castration, animals must be turned out onto clean ground, preferably grass pastures.

When symptoms set in, place the animal in a quiet, comfortable place with no disturbance. Avail soft, easily digestible food or milk. A lot of fresh water should be placed within easy reach.

Contact your Veterinarian to drain and clean any wounds to prevent further production of toxin, as well as administer an antibiotic. Sometimes tetanus anti-toxin may be administered but is of little use once symptoms have appeared.

The outlook in any case of tetanus is always poor, but some animals may recover. Recovery is usually slow and protracted and may take several weeks.

How to control and prevent tetanus infection?

All surgical interventions such as docking lambs' tails, castrations, sheep shearing should be carried in clean surroundings.

Tetanus vaccine can be used to confer immunity in situations where animals may be at risk. One injection gives immunity in 10-14 days lasting for a year and revaccination in 12 months gives solid immunity for life.